A 10-year veteran of NC State’s Department of Nuclear Engineering (NE) has been appointed director of the Nuclear Reactor Program.

Jason Hou, professor of NE, has acted as the program’s interim director since Aug. 1, 2025. In this permanent role, Hou will continue to oversee reactor operations and guide the development of a long-term science and engineering vision for the program.

Established in 1950, the Nuclear Reactor Program is the first university nuclear reactor program in the world. The program administers the PULSTAR Reactor, a 1-MW pool-type nuclear research reactor.

“As I transition into the permanent directorship, I am excited by the opportunity to build upon this strong foundation and help shape the next chapter of the program,” Hou said. “We have a clear long-term vision: to expand the utilization and impact of the PULSTAR reactor, advance digital engineering and AI-enabled capabilities for reactor operations and research, and strengthen our role in educating and training the next generation of nuclear professionals.”

Hou joined the department in 2016. He holds a Ph.D. from Penn State, dual master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Tennessee, and a bachelor’s degree from Tsinghua University.

His areas of expertise include nuclear power design and safety analysis. As an advocate of nuclear energy, Hou strives to advance the scientific understanding of advanced reactor technologies.

“At a time when nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as an essential component of a clean and reliable energy future, I believe the Nuclear Reactor Program is uniquely positioned to drive innovation, develop talent and serve as a premier destination for nuclear science, engineering and workforce development for years to come,” Hou said.

This post was originally published in the Department of Nuclear Engineering.